Why Moco Museum Amsterdam is the coolest art stop

From Banksy to Basquiat, the Moco Museum brings modern art to life with message-driven works and expressive flair. Looking for cool things to do in Amsterdam or planning a cultural day with kids? Moco hits different.

By Beth Levicki
Published: July 16, 2025
Moco Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s packed full of history, with legendary artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt etched into the nooks and crannys of its culture. But sometimes it’s nice to know the present is still pulling its weight, right? A visit to the Moco Museum Amsterdam proves that although art has changed, it’s just as powerful as–and maybe even cooler than–the greats. Here’s why we love it... 

Legendary Artists

Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots

Admire Banksy’s work in the ‘Laugh Now’ exhibition and come face-to-face with his raw commentary on modern society via graffiti and satire. 

Marvel at legends like Warhol and his Pop Art masterpieces, and Haring with his bold and whacky cartoon figures, in ‘Meet the Icons of Modern Art’. Discover their stories and how they became insanely popular in the contemporary art scene. 

Be moved by Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots and embark on an immersive journey of psychology and spirituality in ‘The Digital Immersive Art’ exhibition. Journey into Kusama’s mind and let the work challenge your perceptions of the world. 

There are some truly stunning works throughout. With permanent and temporary exhibitions, you’re always going to find that ‘wow’ moment. It’s deep, it’s funny, it’s inspiring, but words don’t really do this place justice – grab a pass and see for yourself.

Immersive and Colorful

Diamond matrix

The Moco is small but mighty, with each room offering a  unique experience, complete with interactive exhibits. Experience infinite reflections in the ‘Diamond Matrix’, see how light sparks ideas, links souls, and maps the future in ‘Connect the Dots’, and enjoy immersive meditation and connection in ‘Universe’. Through the new art movement Connectivism, you’re encouraged to reflect forward and imagine what the future could look like. Trippy. 

And you can absolutely do the Moco with the kids! Modern art means bold colors and playfulness that’s way more engaging for younger eyes than most galleries. Maybe your little one could be the next Pop Art icon. 

Reflection

Visitors reflecting

Mocos are all about inclusivity and making art accessible for everyone. Whether you’re an art lover or casual observer, take a moment to reflect among some of the greatest modern art in the world. Think thought-provoking pieces, intimate spaces, contemporary themes, and a calm atmosphere. Treat yourself to a moment of peace. 

Dream Location

Museumplein

Find the museum on Museumplein, Amsterdam’s hub for all things arty. Wanna see some classics? Hop over to the Rijksmuseum! Anything and everything Van Gogh on your to-do list? It’s easy to head to the Van Gogh Museum after you’re finished at the Moco. Then grab a stroopwafel and chill in Museumplein Park – deliciously serene.

Enjoyed this? 

Discover some more top Amsterdam attractions or check out what makes the Museum Rembrandthuis a must-see.

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Beth Levicki
Content Executive

Beth is a Content Executive at Go City and a casual writer of many things. She particularly loves songwriting and has written over 50 original songs since childhood. She loves travelling, especially to the US to see her friends, and enjoys more scenic destinations like hiking in upstate New York or Washington. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching Formula 1, and trying to stop her dog Odin from stealing her socks.

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Best Bars in Amsterdam

Visiting Amsterdam and wondering about the bar scene? Wonder no longer, because we've put together a list of the best bars in town just for you. Read on, and discover your new favorite! Including: Door 74 Flying Dutchman Oedipus Taproom Gollum TonTon Club and more! Let's kick things off with cocktail bars. Here are our picks for the city's best! Door 74 Step inside the doors of this swanky speakeasy south of the city center, and you'll time-travel back to the Art Deco stylings of the roaring 20s. Sit down, and explore their amazing menu of cocktail classics and original mixes. Unfortunately, you'll have to take our word for it, as their website is bereft of a menu or any indication of what they offer. However, you can browse their socials and see what people have tagged. Plus, you can book a table through them with no problem. And, given the popularity of the joint, you might want to book ahead. Ideal for a couple of drinks or an entire evening, it's easily one of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam! Flying Dutchman This swanky yet snug cocktail bar has more modern sensibilities in mind. Up the stairs at Singel 460, you'll find a small lounge facing a humungous bar. If you feel like counting, you'll clock over 800 unique bottles of booze. That's...a lot of drinking. When you're seated, you'll be able to pick from one of their awesome creations and sip on paradise. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, give the staff some information on the kinds of drinks you like, and they'll cook you up something holistic! Looking for something fruity? Give them a few flavors, and they'll whip you up a fruity treat. Prefer sweeter, desert-adjacent tipples? Let them know and see what they come up with. Bar TwentySeven This might be one of the pricier on the list, but hot damn, is it worth a visit if you're hankering for some sweet cocktails. The innards are almost palatial, in a kind of fantasy movie way. The bartenders will be happy to surprise you with holistic cocktails that were made for you. Grab a velvet chair, or luck out and lounge on the chez long. You'll feel truly pampered; no two ways about it. Words can't really do this place justice. As one of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam, you'll just have to experience it for yourself. Now, let's explore the pub scene for you beer drinkers out there. Here are our picks for the best beer bars in Amsterdam. Oedipus Taproom Across the river to Amsterdam Noord, you'll find this bright, charming taproom/beer garden. Oedipus is one of the most prominent craft beer brands in Amsterdam, and you'll find their masterworks on many store shelves. But why not go to the source, and have a damn good time doing it? They have a rotating selection of their beers on tap, from tropical sours to Dutch favorites like witbier and blonde beers. If the day is sunny, and you fancy a free ferry ride from Centraal Station (something everyone should try at least once), then head to this summer delight and soak up the vibes. And if you're hungry after throwing back a few, they've got a burger pop-up on-site to satisfy your beer cravings. Gollum With multiple locations around the city, Gollum is one of Amsterdam's best. While their menus can change depending on where you go, you're likely to find a menu with tens of beers spread over multiple pages. Whichever beer suits your fancy, you're sure to find it within their revered tomes. Some locations, like the one in Entrepotdok, have board games should you fancy something to do. Oh, and their resident cat will be more than happy to sit sleeping next to you if you choose the right seat! Upstairs, they even play sports games, should you be in town during the Dutch soccer season, or during the summer months when international tournaments take place. Just don't expect the Superbowl; you're in The Netherlands, after all. O'Reilly's Irish Pub There are better pubs in the city, but sometimes, you just want a little slice of home. That's what you get at O'Reilly's, with all the familiar fittings of an Irish pub. Guinness on tap, western pub food on the menu, and jolly jigs on the jukebox. Plus, it's one of the city's most prominent sports bars, with plenty of soccer and other matches being blared from the big screen across the venue. And now, we'll end the list on quirky bars, if you're looking for something a little different. TonTon Club What do you get when you combine the lights and sounds of an 80s arcade with the smooth stylings of a modern bar, all wrapped up with an Asian menu? Well, you get the TonTon Club. Head to the magnificent Westerpark and see what all the fuss is about. With a handful of arcade cabinets, including Time Crisis and Mario Kart, as well as air hockey and foosball tables, you'll have a blast as you knock back drinks. Their menu of Asian finger food is also delicious, and includes burgers and larger plates should your stomach require. And with a generous amount of outside tables, it's the perfect summer haunt! Westerunie Bar and VR game site by day, club by night. Westerunie has it all. Once again located in Westerpark, you'll need to book ahead if you want to use the VR facilities. But my god, you'll want to. Taking place in the large hall where the club kicks off, you and 5 friends can suit up, literally, with a full-body tracking suit. Then, slip on the headset, and run around untethered as you explore haunted houses, facilities, and other monster-infested locations and shoot 'em up. Thanks to the suits, you'll see your pals running around in real-time and hear them scream as they're beset by shambling monstrosities. Then, when your session's over, check the scoreboard and gloat over a few drinks from the delightful bar. And, should you want the night to continue, you may well be there when the lights go out and the music kicks off. Easily one of the best bars in Amsterdam. And that was our list of the best bars in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
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Is Amsterdam Safe?

From avoiding petty crime to staying safe on the go, get the lowdown on how to explore Amsterdam like a pro.
Dom Bewley
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Win a VIP tour with Private Dining at Heineken Experience this Black Friday

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. WIN a VIP Tour for up to Four People with Exclusive Beer Tasting and Private Dining at the Heineken Experience Go behind the scenes with a VIP tour in the home of Heineken. You’ll get all the fun of a regular tour and loads more as your personal guide will take you on an even deeper dive into the story of Heineken. As well as all the secrets behind the Star, you’ll get a personalized Heineken gift and discover one of their hidden bars – Freddy’s or Henry’s. Styled entirely around people at the heart of Heineken these bars bring a splash of luxury to the lager. It’s here that you’ll get to try five premium beers from the Heineken selection. All of which will be decadently paired with carefully selected delicious accompaniments. Room for more? After your VIP Tour you’ll remain in the hidden bar for an evening of elegance as a private chef will prepare dinner just for you. There’ll be no cap un-flipped in this VIP Heineken Experience. Proost! How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any of our Amsterdam passes between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions
Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield

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